Distal pancreatectomy scheduled at Mayo: Logistical questions

@hope222222
We have stayed at the Aspen Suites across from St. Mary's.

Aspen Suites is very convenient. You'll have underground parking and can take your car in and out without any additional cost. The kitchenettes are very nice and well supplied. Your room will be very clean. The people who work at the front desk are so pleasant and helpful. I haven't been there in about a year so I don't know the status of their buffet. Before the pandemic Aspen Suites had a wonderful breakfast buffet and a light dinner buffet. We enjoyed their lounge area too.

I can't answer your questions about whether you can stay in the room with your husband or what to have on hand for food when he discharges as I don't know enough about those things. These are questions that can be answered by the St. Mary's staff and by your husband's care team. I'm hopeful that someone else can answer those questions for you too.

You are a wonderful spouse and caregiver for trying to figure out as much as you can before the surgery. Do you have any other questions I might be able to help you with?

Hello @hope222222. The following link may be helpful to you with regard to the updated visitor policy for hospital areas.
- Patient appointment & visitor updates: Rochester: https://www.mayoclinic.org/covid-19/rochester#emergency-department

I also found this information with regard to the nutritional recommendations following pancreatic surgery.
- Nutrition Following Pancreatic Surgery:
https://www.pancan.org/facing-pancreatic-cancer/living-with-pancreatic-cancer/diet-and-nutrition/after-a-whipple-procedure/

When is your husband's surgery?

Helen, thank you so much! That is very helpful information!

Thank you very much Amanda! Very helpful!

@hope222222, you might be interested in this related discussion about St. Mary's. @jenniferhunter writes a detailed description with pictures:
- Looking for more details about what is where at St. Mary's https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/looking-for-more-details-about-what-is-where-at-st-marys/

Do you mind my asking, when is your surgery?

When you are visiting your spouse at St Mary's you might like to take some time to walk around the hospital. The chapel is gorgeous and there is beautiful architecture throughout. Even the entrance into the main foyer is beautiful. I have enjoyed sitting there and just looking and listening. Perhaps you will find this part of the visit to Mayo more meditative if you have time to wander about a bit. When is the surgery scheduled?

Thanks very much. We have studies and pre-op on 4/19 and 4/20, surgery 4/21.